With all of the cosmetic procedures and products out there, it can be difficult to know which one is actually going to get rid of your wrinkles. If you have been considering improving your skin aesthetics but aren’t sure where to start, here are some of the most common anti-aging options on the market explained.
Botox
Botox is an injectable treatment commonly used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Many people have heard of Botox and treatments like it, but don’t understand exactly what it does. Botox is made of a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin, which temporarily restricts the function of the nerves in the area where it is injected. When Botox is injected into the facial muscles, it blocks certain chemical signals from telling the muscles they are allowed to move.
Wrinkles form over time as your skin is constantly moving with your muscles to make facial expressions. When we are younger, our skin is full of collagen, which helps it keep its structure and elasticity through facial movements. As we age, our collagen production decreases, so the creases and lines in our skin become more and more permanent. Botox helps to freeze the muscles in a position that stretches and smooths out wrinkles.
PDO Threads
A facelift can be a huge commitment, and not everyone wants to go under the knife to enhance their appearance. Luckily, there is a solution that is less invasive, a non-surgical option called PDO threads. For this procedure, Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are anchored into different layers of the skin using very small needles. They instantly lift and tighten any sagging skin, and usually anywhere from 1-15 threads can be used per section.
Not only does this procedure lift and tighten the skin giving patients a more defined, brighter face shape, it also promotes the growth of collagen and new cells which improves the skin’s texture over time. PDO threads reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while also promoting improvement over time.
Juvederm
Like Botox, Juvederm is a cosmetic injectable that is used to reduce wrinkles as well as fix certain volume issues. When we age, the loss of collagen can also leave hollow points in the face, for example in the cheeks and under the eyes. Juvederm is designed to add volume to the face, which is why it is known as a dermal filler. Juvederm is also used for cosmetic procedures like lip augmentation.
There are different types of Juvederm. Some have a thinner, more fluid consistency that gives a natural look, while others are thicker and more gel-like to add structure to the face. The kind of Juvederm that is best for you and what you are trying to achieve will depend on the status of your wrinkles or lack of volume. A doctor can help you better determine which one you should choose.
Anti-Aging Topicals
One of the cheaper options for dealing with wrinkles is to purchase one of the many “anti-aging” topical products on the market. Many people are skeptical of how well these products work, but experts agree that the right ingredients really can help reduce wrinkles that are already developed and prevent new ones from forming. If you are going to try one of these, you just have to make sure it has the right ingredients. Some products claim to be anti-aging but are not very effective.
You should look for labels and brands that aren’t trying to sell you something they don’t actually provide. For example, words like “miracle” and “instantly” should be avoided because this is an unrealistic promise for a topical product. Additionally, the brand should clearly explain what ingredients are going to help you and how so that you know there is science behind it.
Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beach goer operating out of Southern New Jersey.
